Thursday, May 25, 2017

Prague with Kids Complete Guide

When you travel with your kids it is always difficult to find the best activities so they are well entertained during your stay. That's why we made this list which will make your stay in Prague with kids unforgettable! You will also see which restaurants in the center of Prague are child-friendly and have a nice children's play area or get useful information about admission fees for children or the prices in public transport.

Kids in Prague City Apartments

If you stay with Prague City Apartments you can be sure that you and your kids get the best they can. For kids under 3 years of age we prepare a baby cot and they stay with us for free! Kids from 3 to 12 stay just for 10 EUR/night. All our apartments are suitable for families as we can add up to 2 extra beds. For a larger family or multiple families we recommend our three bedroom apartments which can accommodate up to 8 persons using extra beds. And if you are busy or you just need a little break we are happy to provide a reliable babysitter to come to your apartment at any time.

General Information

Most Prague sights and attractions offer ticket discounts for children from 3-15 years and children under 3 usually go for free. If your child looks older, it may be appropriate for proof of age to be carried when purchasing the ticket. In public transport children under 6 go for free, kids from 6-15 years need a discounted child ticket. From the age of 10 it is obligatory to prove the child's age by means of an identity card bearing the child's first name, surname, date of birth and a photograph verified by the passport.

Where to Go with Kids

In Prague you can find many great places your children will love, be it a zoo, paddle boats, museums or parks. Let's take a look at them!

Petřín

Petřín is a small hill located close to the left bank of the Vltava river, next to the Lesser Quarter and south of Prague Castle. The journey itself will be a great experience for kids as you can go by a famous funicular operating since 1891. The funicular is a part of Prague Public Transit Company so you can use your metro/tram tickets or buy one in a vending machine next to the lower station.

Your kids will surely love the biggest attraction of the Petřín hill - the Petřín lookout tower. Same as the funicular, this 65 meters tall structure was built in 1891 when the members of the Czech Tourist Club were impressed by the Eiffel Tower in Paris and decided to make a five-times smaller copy. You can use an elevator or 299 steps to climb up to get a wonderful views of Prague and a large part of Bohemia. You also shouldn't miss a mirror maze which is situated just next to the lookout tower. On a sunny day you can even use a local park for a great picnic!

Prague Zoo

If you go to Prague with kids (even without kids) this is really a must see. Prague Zoo was named 4th best in the World by TripAdvisor in 2015 and we must agree. The zoo is located in Troja district, north of the city center. To get there you can use your own car, public transport or even a steamboat. No. 112 bus goes from Nádraží Holešovice metro station on line C. But the steamboat will be much more fun for your kids - it operates from the end of March to October and it starts at Rašínovo nábřeží or Čechův most which is just 2 minutes from our Residence Brehova. See more details on the zoo's website. In Prague zoo you can see almost 5000 animals from more than 600 species. Your kids will like a colorful cable way which connects lower and upper part of the zoo. You can visit many interesting pavilions and exhibitions - Bororo Reserve, Elephant Valley, Hippo House, Indonesian Jungle, Gorilla Pavilion, Lemur Island and many more. Children can also pet and feed animals in a petting zoo and ride a pony or a small train. When you are in the zoo you can also visit the beautiful Prague Botanical Garden.

Boat Trips and Paddle Boats

Kids love boats and a nice boat trip is always an unforgettable experience for them. In Prague there are many possibilities to buy a boat ticket as there are many boat trip companies. You can choose from regular cruises, cruises with lunch or dinner, evening or night cruises and many others! Just ask our Prague City Apartments staff and our guest services agents will recommend and book the best boat trip for you and your kids. And don't forget about the boat trip to zoo we mentioned before.

Your children will also love paddle boats - again there are many renting companies - on Slovanský Island, Lávka Club, Smíchov and many others. Paddle boats are suitable for up to 4 persons so they are great even for families.

Parks

If you and your kids are tired after a long day of sightseeing there is nothing better than resting in a beautiful park. There are many awesome parks and gardens in Prague and whether you choose the ones in the city center or outside Prague, you can be sure that your walk or picnic will be very relaxing and unforgettable. Read our post about the most beautiful parks, gardens and nature in Prague! Consider visiting Vyšehrad, a historic fort with a church, rotunda and a nice park located not far from the city center.

Museums

Children usually find museums very boring and don't enjoy them as much as most adults. Don't worry, in Prague there are several museums which are appreciated even by our youngest ones. For example National Technical Museum where you can view the most interesting exhibits of many technical fields – transportation, astronomy, architecture, photography, metalurgy, mining and others. Older children will surely like all the interesting exhibits they can touch and explore. The museum is located in Holešovice District – you can take a tram no. 17 to Čechův most station or any tram that goes to Letenské náměstí.

Another museum your kids will love is Lego Museum in Narodni street, only 3 minutes' walk from our Residence Karolina. With more than 2500 models divided in 20 theme parts and more than a million bricks used it is the world's biggest Lego museum. You and your children will see pirates, knights, Star Wars ships and characters, Harry Potter's world, Indiana Jones and many others. Older kids may even enjoy Wax Museum Grévin in Celetná street.

Kingdom of Railways

Source: www.railroad-kingdom.com

Kingdom of Railways is a unique place and the largest model railway in Central and Eastern Europe. You will see hundreds of meters of railways set in a extensive landscape. The models ride and light up, cars stop at traffic lights, rails react to changing day and night cycles and some trains are set up so your kids can control them! There are various dominants as Karlštejn Castle, Prague Castle, Střekov, Kokořín and others. Kingdom of Railways is located in Smíchov district, close to Anděl metro station (only 2 stops from Národní třída metro station in the city center).

Playgrounds

Source: www.praha1.cz

In the center of Prague there are quite a few children's playgrounds. In Františkánská garden which is located between the Wenceslas square and the Narodni street you will find a nice little playground. The garden itself offers a pleasant seating for adults. There are about 10 attractions on the playground, mostly for smaller kids.

Another playground is situated very close to our residences Masna and Rybna. It has about 5 attractions and it is also good especially for smaller kids.

If you stay close to the National Theatre (Residence Karolina, Ostrovni 7 Apartments, Art Residence Krocinova or Konvikt Apartments) you will like a playground which is located on the Slovanský Island (Slovanský ostrov). It is not very big but quite unconventional. In addition to classic attractions, such as swings, climbing nets or slides, your kids will also enjoy various colorful sculptures and not far from here they can ride a children's train.

If you go to the Lesser Town your kids can play on a small but modern playground in the Kampa park. It includes 10 small attractions - swings etc. Directly at the Charles Bridge there is a larger nice playground with about 12 attractions, some of them even for larger children.

Sport

In the center of Prague you can visit a place you and your children will love! Black Light Adventure Minigolf situated in a hidden street not far from the Národní street. You will be impressed by the interior design with glowing attractions, golf clubs or balls! You can play as many rounds as you wish.

This one is a little further from the city center but if your stay in Prague is longer it is definitely worth it. Bobsleigh track Prosek - it is a great fun not just for kids but also for adults! You can enjoy 800 meters long ride for 1 or 2 persons. And how to get there? If you don't want to catch a taxi, take a metro line B to Palmovka station and then change to bus 140 or 302 and get off at Kelerka stop.

If your kids like water, you shouldn't miss Aquapalace Praha, the biggest aquapark in the Czech Republic. Your children will enjoy many water attractions, toboggans, slides, whirlpools, or a wild river all day long. It is situated pretty far from the center so if you don't have your own car we recommend to call a taxi.

Historical Tram Line No. 41

Every weekend from March to November you can ride a historical tram No. 41 going through the city center. It operates from noon to around 5 p.m. Visit Prague Public Transit Company's website to see a timetable.

Other

Children love toys, close to the Wenceslas Square, in Na Příkopě street, they can enjoy them in the largest toy store in the Czech Republic - Hamleys. There are also attractions like a Venetian carousel, functional excavator, talking tree, huge slide and others. Kids' paradise in the center of Prague! If you want to buy some traditional great quality and original (mostly wooden) toys for your kids, go to Hugo chodí bos toy store in Řeznická street.

If your kids don't have enough, you can take them to the Žižkov TV Tower, named one of the ugliest structures in the world but offering wonderful views of Prague.

Just 20 miles southwest of Prague you can find the most famous Czech castle, majestic and mysteriousKarlštejn. The castle rises above the Berounka river as a silent witness of the diverse history of the Czech lands. It was founded in 1348 by Czech King and Roman Emperor Charles IV as a place to store royal treasures, holy relics and imperial crown jewels. Especially older children love this fairytale castle.

Very close to the Residence Karolina, in Národní street, you can visit Black Light Theatre Metro, which will be appreciated mostly by older kids.

If your kids like science and the universe, go to Prague Planetarium. They have very interesting permanent exhibition about the universe and if you want you can also visit one of the shows in English.

Child-friendly Restaurants

In the center of Prague you can find a number of family-friendly restaurants with children's play area and kids menu. First of them is Žofín Garden, a nice restaurant with a view of the National Theatre located on a Slovanský Island we mentioned before. Your kids can play outside and in case of bad weather even inside. You shouldn't miss their Sunday brunch with activities for kids!

Hergetova Cihelna doesn't offer just a play area but also wonderful views of the Charles Bridge. Dine in a nice atmosphere and taste delicious Czech or international meals.

Every child likes model trains, in Výtopna Railway Restaurant these trains can serve them their favorite food! Your kids will love this unique place and you can sure it will be one of the highlights of your Prague trip they will remember. The restaurant is located in the Wenceslas Square.

If your children like pizza, visit Pizza Nuova in the Revoluční street, very close to our Residence Rybna. They have very nice play are open daily and on weekends even with babysitting! Their pizzas are hand-rolled and they bake them in a traditional oven using a beech firewood.

If you go to Stromovka park or the Prague Planetarium you can visit child-friendly restaurant Vozovna Stromovka - their outside playground will keep your children entertained for a long time while you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee or a delicious cake.

If you want to get a coffee or a lunch close to the Old Town Square or the Residence Brehova, Mistral café is a great choice. They have a little cozy play area for children and a kids menu.

Have you discovered any other great child-friendly places in Prague? Don't hesitate and share them with us! We will gladly add them to this list.

Monday, May 15, 2017

The Ultimate List of the Best Bars in Prague

Many people go to Prague to see the world-famous monuments and to admire the beauty of this historical city. But maybe even more people go to Prague to party! The best beer in the world, great prices, and of course - stylish bars! We have put together the ultimate list of the best bars in the center of Prague you must definitely visit. Enjoy!

1. AnonymouS Bar

Welcome to one of the most unique bars in Prague. Inspired by a movie V for Vendetta it is a perfect place to spend a wonderful night. They don't have just delicous and creative cocktails but also superb coffee. Enjoy an amazing atmosphere, get one of their signature cocktails and take a picture with a legendary mask. Don't forget to make a reservation!

2. Hemingway Bar

Located just 3 minutes' walk from our Residence Karolina, this bar is inspired by a great writer and even greater bar lover Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway Bar focuses on his favorite spirits - absinth and rum. They offer the widest range of absinths in the Czech Republic and more than 200 hundred types of rum! You will get first-class cocktails made of the best alcohol and fresh juices. You will definitely love their rich Champagne offer with some truly rare bottles. Magical experience!

3. L'Fleur

Not far from the Old Town Square and our Residence Masna you will find a unique French style bar L'Fleur which combines a top mixology and the best wine. Its unmistakable atmosphere will remind you Belle Époque France at the turn of the twentieth century and you will love it. Order one of their signature cocktails or perfect barrel-aged drinks. The staff is really knowledgeable and the barkeepers will mix the perfect drink for you when you tell them your preferences.

4. La Bodeguita Del Medio

Inspired by the iconic Havana bar with the same name, this Cuban-style bar is a stylish place which offers the best drinks (including Hemingway's favorite mojito) and live music every day. You can also get delicious meals in their restaurant! The bar has been visited by many celebrities including Pierce Brosnan, David Copperfield, Jaromír Jágr, Edward Norton or Elijah Wood. Lovely Cuban bar where you can drink and dance all night long! The bar is located in Kaprova street, close to the Old Town Square or the Residence Brehova.

5. Bugsy's Bar

One of the most popular bars in Prague was opened in 1995 and since then it has been offering the top cocktails, whisky, rums, premium vodkas or more than 100 types of Champagne. It was even ranked in "The Best bars of the World" list by The Newsweek magazine. You will be impressed by the skilled bartenders, classy atmosphere and creative drinks. The bar is located in the most fashionable and exclusive street in Prague - Parizska street.

6. Cash Only Bar

Before you ask: it is a non-smoking bar, there are no reservations and of course they don't take any credit cards! These are 3 basic rules of the great Cash Only Bar situated in Liliova street near the Bethlehem Chapel. This modern bar, a younger sister of the Hemingway bar, will fascinate you. Creative cocktails ranging from classics to special creations, nice and skilled bartenders and also delicous hot dogs! You can be sure to spend a lovely night here!

7. Harley's Bar

In Dlouha street you can find this exclusive cocktail & music bar which features a stylish interior with "Harley Davidson design", professional bartenders and especially excellent cocktails. The bar sometimes hosts great theme parties - Japan, Baywatch, Brasil, Safari or even a Space party! Whenever you visit Harley's Bar you can be sure to enjoy really really wild night with great rock music, lots of friendly people and superb shows!

8. Bonvivant's CTC

In a quiet part of the Old Town of Prague, just a few steps from the Residence Karolina you will find a hidden gem - Bonvivant's CTC Bar! If you love great cocktails, this is a place for you. You will enjoy very pleasant retro atmosphere, friendly and skilled bartenders and of course their drinks which are brought to perfection. You can also get delicious tapas or a glass of local wine. This place is simply a cocktail lovers' dream!

9. Tretter's Cocktail Bar

If you want to experience the atmosphere of 1930s New York and Paris, go to the popular Tretter's Bar! Thanks to the long bartending tradition of the Tretter's family you can enjoy this extraordinary bar with its stylish music and impressive interior. You can taste a wide range of excellent drinks, wines and champagnes. The bar is located in V Kolkovne street, just a stone's throw from the Residence Masna!

10. Hangar Bar

If you ask people about the Hangar Bar, you can be sure they will tell you about the stylish atmosphere, friendly staff and great music. In a top floor called Hangar Pilot's Lounge you can look forward to interior inspired by Pan Am aviation era of the 1940s 50s and 60s. This floor is the best spot to get a delicious cocktail, coffee or great dishes. A bottom floor is called "Hangar Club" and it is inspired by an aviation of the 1940s and 1950s. The Hangar Club offers a wild fun and great shows of their professional bartenders.

11. James Dean

This original American diner will bring you to the 1920s United States. It is not just a cocktail bar, it is also a very popular music club filled every single day with crowds of locals and tourists having fun and dancing together. You can see many original artifacts - old Coca Cola cash register, 1949 Seeburg jukebox or Elektra Belle Epoque coffee machine. You should also taste their delicous burgers! You will find it not far from the Old Town Square in V Kolkovne street.

12. DéJáVu

This cosmopolitan place is divided into two floors - the bottom floor is a legendary music club for 150 people with live DJs, dance music and a large bar. The top floor is a stylish bar for 50 people with a nice music and a wide offer of delicious drinks made by professional bartenders! And the best part? Happy hours from 6 P.M. to 9 P.M. - all cocktails with 50% off! The bar is located in Jakubska street, very clouse to ur Rybna and Masna Residences!